February 9, 2024 - Issue #120 | |
Looking ahead! Registration is open for 2024-25 | |
|
Pierz Schools is accepting registrations now for the fall of 2024 in all grades. Whether you live in our district or near our borders and wish to enroll, we welcome you to call the office and complete the application. To clarify, Pierz Schools is a 'closed' district in that we only accept up to a certain number of students for each grade. At this time, all grades are accepting new enrollments. If your children are already enrolled in K-12 and attending Pierz Schools, you are good to go.
Our district is on one campus where students can build relationships that last from their first day of school to graduation day.
| |
Pioneer Preschool is taught by licensed early childhood teachers each with 20+ years of experience using research-based curriculum to teach social-emotional skills, phonics, and handwriting. Students attend two days per week, eat breakfast and lunch and most can ride the bus if transportation is needed to attend. | |
|
We are planning two events for families thinking about enrolling in Pierz Schools next fall.
- Bring your family to open gym on February 20 and burn off some energy while learning more about Pioneer Preschool, ECFE, Early Childhood Screening, and Pierz Head Start. Staff will be available to answer questions about these early childhood programs.
- Children ready to enter kindergarten in the fall can attend Kindergarten Roundup on March 25 to meet teachers, tour the school and learn more about Pioneer Elementary.
We welcome all families in our district and those who wish to enroll to join us for these fun nights.
| |
Career exploration continues in Metier | |
|
Officers Tou Vang and Adam Seifermann (along with their K9, Jet), took time to talk about their careers in natural resources and law enforcement and answer questions from Ms. Scheldorf's Meitier class. Students in grades 5-8 get to take Metier every year, a class that investigates their talents and passions, and eventually aims to point them in a direction of career interest based on the aptitudes they uncover through self-exploration.
"In 7th grade, we investigate business, natural resources, engineering, law, construction, and military. I invited CO Vang to be interviewed as our expert in the natural resources field (overlapping with law as well). In the interview, students ask questions to see if "a life in natural resources will make them come alive." —Ms. Scheldorf
More information: Officer Seifermann and Jet are a part of the DNR K9 unit (one of only 5 in the entire state of MN). Together, they are trained to assist conservation officers throughout the state with zebra mussel detection, tracking of persons, wildlife detection, evidence recovery, and ferforming educational demonstrations. The use of specially trained dogs increases the state's abilities to detect wildlife violations, find trespassers, and catch poachers.
| |
Happenings at Pioneer Elementary | |
Retired teachers bring books to life with Readers Theater | |
Last fall, retired Pioneer Elementary media specialist JoAnn Dahl founded Heartland Readers Theater, a group of volunteers performing engaging book readings to students in Morrison County. This week, she partnered with several retired teachers and staff from Pierz Schools to perform for Pioneer K-2 students. The cast of the charismatic and often comedic voices of the group changes, but the results stay the same. By engaging kids in reading through character voices (and lots of laughs from their young audiences), they hope to show how fun reading can be and how it can take them on many journeys --all without leaving their seats. | |
Kids rule during Global School Play Day | |
|
Wednesday, February 7 was Global School Play day, and Pioneer Elementary fully embraced this concept during all specials classes. During Global School Play Day, participants are encouraged to allow students ample time for free play without the use of screens, structured games, or adult direction. The idea is to let children explore their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interactions in an unstructured and spontaneous environment.
Throughout the day, students were able to choose from board games, cards, Legos, cardboard, outside time, gym time, and more. With the goal being to not interfere with their choice of play or creativity (as long as everyone was safe), it was very interesting listening and observing ways the students cooperated and problem-solved!
| |
I Love to Read Month means door decor galore | |
The love of reading is palpable at Pioneer Elementary as staff get creative with door decoration competition. Dr. Seuss took over the classroom doors in the media center hall. Ducks galore also make door appearances as "Quack Open a Good Book" is the official theme for Pioneer's I Love to Read Month. Be sure to check them all out at parent-teacher conferences next week. | |
|
February 9: Early Release - Teacher Workshop
February 12 & 13: Parent Teacher Conferences - Pioneer Elementary (K-6)
February 16-19: No School - Presidents Day
March 1-3: Junior High Musical, The Lion King, Jr.
March 4: No School - Teacher Workshop
| |
Upcoming Community Education | |
|
Calling all adults—join us for pickleball fun! Looking for a way to get active, socialize, and have a blast with friends? All levels of play are welcome. Come to the open gym on Sunday nights at 5pm. New players are welcome every week, no experience or your own equipment is necessary.
Call to learn more about the pickleball tournament on February 10 or stop by Frosty's.
| |
|
Rachel Young will be offering CPR certification on March 14, a refresher on March 13 and the BLS training on February 5. First Aid certification on February 21 and the refresher on February 22.
| |
|
Watch for more adult classes coming soon! You can always view the latest in offerings on www.PierzSchoolsPayOnline.org under Community Education and follow Pierz Community Education on Facebook.
Register for any of the classes by calling 320-468-6458 ext 1906
| | | | |
